Verizon's FiOS1 New Jersey to Broadcast In-Depth Coverage of State's 2009 Political Season, Including First Gubernatorial Debate and Election Results

With New Jersey's political season in high gear, Verizon's FIOS1 New Jersey will be the source for in-depth coverage of all the key events, including the first gubernatorial debate and election results.

FiOS1 New Jersey Election Watch 2009, with broadcast partners including NJN-TV and staff from The (Bergen) Record, will offer comprehensive news reports along with thought-provoking analysis and commentary each day through the election on Nov. 3.

The coverage begins Thursday (Oct. 1) with the first New Jersey gubernatorial debate, which will be simulcast live from Trenton. With its broadcast partner, NJN-TV, the FiOS1 New Jersey political team will provide expert coverage and analysis before and after the debate. It will be followed by a live, 30-minute call-in opportunity for viewers. Here's the schedule:

The FiOS1 preview show will air from 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., directly following the FiOS1 7 p.m. newscast.

The debate will be simulcast live from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

A 30-minute wrap-up of the event will run from 9:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Viewers will have the opportunity to call in at 1-888-766-2428.

"FiOS1 is offering New Jersey viewers an opportunity to get involved by both watching and participating in the 2009 election in New Jersey," said Michelle Webb, Verizon's general manager and chief programming officer, FiOS1 local channels. "With our media partners from NJN and The Record, we've assembled a great team of reporters, anchors and analysts who will offer viewers the best news and analysis of the debate, the campaigns and all events leading up to Nov. 3."

In addition to the debate coverage, FiOS1 New Jersey will also offer daily reports on the election from the FiOS1 political team including Richard French, Andrew Whitman and the staff of The Record. FiOS1 is also offering a weekly 30-minute program, "Election Watch 2009," hosted by Steve Adubato and Richard French. This program will feature candidate interviews and reports from the campaign trail. It airs Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on FiOS1 New Jersey and 4:30 p.m. on FiOS1 Long Island.

On Election Day, FiOS1 New Jersey and FiOS1 Long Island will follow all of the major races in both areas. The FiOS1 tickers will provide up-to-the-minute statewide and local results. FiOS1 reporters will be on scene at many campaign headquarters, and the day will also include comprehensive analysis from the FiOS1 political team.